Pakistan is a peace loving nation but prepared for war if imposed: DG ISPR

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has firmly rejected India’s assertion that it issued a prior warning before its recent military actions, calling the claim “absurd” and reaffirming that Pakistan does not depend on Indian intelligence for safeguarding its national security.

In an interview with BBC, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that on May 7, India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted Pakistan in an effort to initiate dialogue amidst escalating cross-border tensions. However, Pakistan made its position clear.

“We told them plainly that dialogue could only follow an appropriate response,” said the military’s spokesperson. He noted that after Pakistan’s measured but firm retaliation, India’s own military spokesperson publicly signaled that New Delhi did not wish to escalate the conflict further.

Reiterating Pakistan’s preference for peace, Lt Gen Chaudhry stated: “We prioritise peace and love peace, but we are always ready for war. And if war is needed, then so be it.”

He emphasized the restraint shown by Pakistan, referencing previous incidents such as the 2019 Pulwama crisis, during which U.S. diplomatic efforts helped defuse a potentially explosive regional situation. “Even external powers understand the consequences of another war in South Asia,” he added.

Read more: "We’ll respond decisively," DG ISPR reaffirms Pakistan won't bow down to Indian hegemony

Calling India’s intelligence claims “fabricated”, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan's air defense systems are highly vigilant, capable of detecting any aerial intrusion, including drone violations. He accused India of regularly creating false narratives to justify aggressive policies and military operations.

“India keeps constructing false narratives to justify its actions every few years,” he stated, further alleging that the Indian state has been “hijacked by a terrorist mindset.”

Addressing concerns of nuclear escalation, the DG ISPR was unequivocal: “A nuclear war would be madness. The very idea must remain irrational and unimaginable.”

“Pakistan desires peace, but if war is imposed, we are fully prepared. India is playing with fire by promoting falsehoods and displaying arrogance," he added.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry #DGISPR in an interview with the @BBCNews reiterates,

“Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, but if war is imposed on us, we are fully prepared.” DG ISPR

Full interview#PakistanArmy #Balochistan #ISPR pic.twitter.com/OtXnkExevT

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) May 21, 2025